By Martin Sadongdong
After three months of being officer-in-charge (OIC), Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa formally assumed as the 23rd Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Monday afternoon.
Police Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa
(Police Regional Office 10 / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
President Duterte administered the oath-taking and donning of rank of Gamboa in Santo Tomas, Batangas, coinciding with the distribution of relief packs to the affected families of Taal's eruption.
Gamboa, served as the PNP OIC since October 14, 2019 when Oscar Albayalde, his predecessor, relinquished his post after his name got dragged in the so-called ninja cops – those involved in recycling of illegal drugs.
“Three months as OIC has made me more than ready to take on the responsibility bestowed upon myself by the Commander-in-Chief to lead the PNP,” he said.
Gamboa vowed to intensify implementation of the flagship programs of the national government in maintaining peace and order in the communities, including the fight against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality, among others.
Other areas of concern include instilling discipline on the cops through an intense internal cleansing, police reform, and strengthened public relations through media engagements.
“These policies and plans will remain to be the framework of my leadership, more so now that I am vested with more authority as Chief PNP to pursue the flagship program on internal cleansing and organizational discipline with greater vigor and efficacy,” he said.
Gamboa is a member of the PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 where he graduated with distinctions and awards. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Jose Rizal University in 2004.
His mistah includes former PNP Chief and now Senator Ronald dela Rosa, and Albayalde.
Gamboa has served various posts from being a commanding officer up to various key positions in regional and national units, particularly in the PNP National Headquarters, Southern Luzon, Caraga, and in his home province, Bukidnon.
After his stints in provincial and regional offices, he was named to various positions in the national headquarters, including being appointed the Chief Directorial Staff in 2017, Deputy Chief, PNP for Administration in 2019.
He will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on September 2, 2020.